T&T: you may really hear a whistle

[Jeffrey Siegel]

> Here is what I know......
> If I am approaching another vessel...
> ...
> Any thoughts !

I've found the whole one-whistle/two-whistle communications mechanism to be
unacceptable except when dealing with a tug or some other commercial vessel.
I know the procedures and even review them in the USCG Navigation Rules book
every now and then.  Still, most recreational boats don't respond to them.

I think that the only acceptable communications mechanism is to make a
verbal agreement via VHF between you and the other boat in plain English.  I
don't even like it when an oncoming skipper tells me on the VHF, "I'll pass
you on one" - why confuse the potentially dangerous situation with jargon.
It reminds me of our ambulance 911 dispatching where they insist on toning
us out with something like, "Bagaduce Ambulance, please respond to a 10-55
on Main Street with 2 PI's."  Geez, just say there's a car accident and two
people are hurt.  Similarly, if you want to pass me on my port side, just
tell me that.


==================================
Jeffrey Siegel
M/V aCappella
DeFever 53PH
W1ACA/WDB4350
Castine, Maine

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